Non-fiction
when I was in high school I got a computer virus. But not in the anonymous-hacked-you-your-personal-information-is-compromised kind of virus, but the Old Internet™ kind, where pseudo-porn images would just spam your entire desktop every time you turned your computer on. I got the virus from some website where you could download Dane Cook soundbites to use in place of standard PC noises.
I deserved it.
Welp, it looks like Election Day has finally collapsed upon us. To be perfectly honest, for as long as I can remember this day has caused inordinate amounts of stress and panic for me—and that dates back to when I was a little kid and had a very minimal understanding of what was going on. This year the panic levels are amped up to eleven and, as an adult, there's a hell of a lot more to be stressed about. But what concerns me more aren't just the people running or the issues they're platforms are built upon. Instead, it's the American people.
I'm worried about those who are too apathetic to care. Those who feel that we're screwed no matter what so they're sitting this one out. Those who never bothered to find someone—anyone—that might represent them. I'm upset that there are people who don't have proper representation. I'm worried about the extremists from both sides who are yelling at everyone to vote, but masking their true intentions by only giving one option as the viable option. I don't like the bullying that has gone on—both from a candidate and in retaliation to a candidate's supporters.
We let party lines divide us for too long. If you're voting because you're a proud American today, it means you're voting with the understanding that the person you want might not win. If you spew hatred at your fellow Americans for the decision, then maybe a Democracy isn't what your after. If you're upset with the options you're stuck with, let your voice be heard at all elections, not just the presidential one. When you vote with your conscience, make sure you take a moment to step outside yourself and think about how your vote impacts people other than you. Then vote with knowledge and understanding of yourself an others.
But above all else, as the great Kurt Vonnegut once said, God damn it, you've got to be kind. We're all in this mess together, please don't let politics get in the way of being human beings. Please don't let differences divide us. Be gracious. Show empathy. Work together. United we stand.
tl;dr: Please don't vote for Trump. He's a fuckin' jabroni.
Here's a fun fact about me: I adore Halloween. Okay, that's not really that interesting since most people do (and those who do not just don't count as people). I've loved it since childhood but it's taken on an even more special meaning for me in recent years since my husband's birthday is also on Halloween, as is the anniversary of when we got engaged. So I have even more of a reason to celebrate and enjoy all of the festivities of the spooky day. I like to stretch Halloween out throughout the month of October, whether it be by visiting attractions, watching scary movies, listening to horror podcasts or reading spooky short stories. The later is the focus of an article I wrote for AmReading.com, a literary-themed listicle site. I had fun writing it and I hope to write a lot more for them in the future. Actually, speaking of scary: I have to get some inspiration to think up more articles to pitch. Now that's frightening!
That's all for now—have a happy and safe Halloween, everybody!
Wow, ok so I've been failing miserably at this whole keeping my blog updated regularly thing. Not a surprise, I'm usually terrible at that. I find it much easier to lie in a vegetative state on my couch, internally screaming at myself to move to an upright position and write something--ANYTHING, DAMMIT--and then not writing anything but mentally punishing myself until I fall angrily asleep in an uncomfortable position on my couch.
BUT MAYBE THAT WILL CHANGE RIGHT NOW!
Since my last update, I've actually started a bi-monthly webcolumn for Razorcake! It's about the topic I write about the best--my own weird brain! Check out the first article here.
(If you're wondering, I'm updating this as I'm currently procrastinating writing the second article right now.)
The Razorcake stuff gets pretty heavy, so I had to counter that some way. I've started writing humor pieces on my Medium account. They're mainly just for me, but hopefully you'll find them funny too.
Here's one where I get very political. Here's one where I try to give some romance advice. And this one I just published--the first of a series where I share my health and wellness routines.
Now, I'm going to attempt to finally finish a short story (one of a larger series) that I've been working on FOREVER. I'd like to get it done this week so I can submit it to a writing contest, so wish me luck!
Love you all!
Jamie
On Monday, March 21st, 2016, my grandmother, Theresa, passed away. She was a constant source of strength and inspiration in my life and she meant the absolute world to me. I didn't get to write a eulogy or even a proper obituary for her, so I decided to take some time to pay tribute to her life and our relationship.
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